Page 3

Facility problems led to 3.5M lost school days, GAO says

Water intrusion, extreme temperatures, indoor air quality and structural problems forced schools to close the most in the 2024-25 school year. 

5 ways state policy can support high school transformations

A National Association of State Boards of Education report gives state policy recommendations for supporting student-centered, innovative high schools.

Judge vacates anti-DEI directive that led to teacher training grant cuts

A federal judge ruled the Education Department directive and its cancellation of hundreds of millions in funds for teacher training programs was unlawful.

Iowa’s largest district appoints new superintendent one year after former leader’s ICE arrest

Matt Smith had served as interim superintendent of Des Moines Public Schools since September 2025, his second time doing so since 2022-23.

How Chicago-area students are building soft skills on ‘expeditions’

The nonprofit Chicago Voyagers is helping educators arrange nature outings that allow middle-schoolers to hone skills like collaboration and leadership.

Rising Leaders: 10 standout assistant principals and district leaders you should know in 2026-27

These administrators are going the extra mile on school turnarounds, culture, student interventions and supports, and more.

Universal school meal reversals take toll on student behavior, focus, study finds

The findings published in the Journal of Nutrition Education and Behavior come amid growing fears that new policy changes could further hinder access.

1 in 4 elementary school teachers say students use devices for main lessons

Almost all elementary teachers say students use devices in the classroom, and two-thirds of teachers overall would support going paper-based instead.

Week In Review: Rising Leaders and falling turnover

We’re rounding up last week’s news, from changes to a federal data collection to discussions at a Reagan Institute summit.